ERIC Number: EJ1084792
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Jan
Pages: 9
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0973-1849
EISSN: N/A
Unlocking Shelves: Fostering a Culture of Reading and Inclusion through Open Libraries
Mukunda, Usha; Vellanki, Vivek
Contemporary Education Dialogue, v13 n1 p157-165 Jan 2016
This article features a conversation between Usha Mukunda, who identifies herself as a librarian, and Vivek Vellanki, who is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education. Mukunda has been successful in challenging the stereotypical image of the librarian as being serious, angry, and detached. Shortly after meeting her, one would likely be convinced that a radical rethinking of the library space is imperative--one in which everyone is welcome, and the shelves are all open. In this question and answer session, Mukunda and Vivek address the following topics: (1) Why we want children to read; (2) The distinction between children's writers and writers for children; (3) Thoughts on avoiding the selection of certain reading materials for children because they may seem too harsh, or too violent for young readers; and (4) Favorite activities for introducing books, and making the library a more welcoming space for children. Mukanda envisions the library as a radical space where hierarchies and differences can be challenged. She says that over her thirty-year career, what she most looked forward to was being with children and books in all library spaces.
Descriptors: Librarians, Librarian Attitudes, Stereotypes, School Libraries, Inclusion, Access to Information, Authors, Childrens Literature, Reading Material Selection, Controversial Issues (Course Content), Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Learning Activities, Books, Electronic Publishing, Interviews
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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